this government works on behalf of the many, not just the few. >> reporter: as the president gave the state of the union address, a noticeable presence of victims of gun violence. >> it has been two months since newtown. i know this is not the first time this country has debated how to reduce gun violence. but this time is different. >> reporter: the president also announced that half of the troops now serving in afghanistan, about 34,000, will be home by this time next year. but the focus remains primarily on the economy, with several proposals including a plan to raise the minimum wage. >> tonight, let's declare that in the wealthiest nation on earth, no one who works full time should have to live in poverty. >> reporter: republicans spot back, the response given in both spanish and english by marco rubio, who accused the president of hurting the middle class with deficit spending and tax hikes. >> the idea that more taxes and government spending is the best way to help middle class taxpayers, that's an old idea that's failed every time it's been tried. >> reporter: now the president will
